Gerry Rogers

Gerry Rogers, is a person who gives from her heart as well as her mind. She has shared her humanistic and activist concerns in her work as well as in her personal life. Gerry is an accomplished filmmaker with many award-winning films to her credit, including My Left Breast. This incredible film has won over 20 awards including two Geminis, Gold at the Hot Docs Festival, two awards at the Toronto Lesbian & Gay Film Festival and two awards at the Dallas Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.

In this film, Gerry has transformed her personal experience of breast cancer into the political by giving breast cancer a face…her face. Gerry's vulnerability is her strength as she lets the viewer see her unmasked. This personal sharing removes much of the shame associated with cancer. Her courage not only inspires all 'survivors' who view the film, but it also helps to make a larger audience aware of the many complex issues surrounding breast cancer.

What is also very important in this film is the love that is shared between Gerry and her partner, Peg, who was the main cameraperson during the film's creation. This love and commitment that is so clearly and powerfully evident to viewers of the film, goes a long way in educating people about same sex relationships.

Gerry took My Left Breast on tour to the United States and was invited to speak on the Rosie O'Donnell show. Back in Canada, she was interviewed in depth by Vicki Gabereau in December of 2000 thus bringing added awareness to Canadians. Gerry's other award winning documentaries include The Vienna Tribunal, To A Safer Place, and Kathleen Shannon. But Gerry's biggest accomplishment, according to the many people who know and love her, is the kindness and caring that she shares with all who come in contact with her. Her life and her art are one.

2003

Archival data